Mainland Tactix have opened their 2023 ANZ Premiership account with a win over Northern Stars at Pulman Arena.
Last year's wooden-spooners toppled the last year's grand finalists 55-49, with their new recruits making an immediate impact.
Signings Aliyah Dunn and Laura Malcolm, and the return of Silver Ferns Jane Watson and Karen Burger make for a much-improved Tactix outfit in 2023.
Burger and Watson were relentless on defence, shutting down several Stars attacks, with Dunn capitalising to shoot 89 percent from her 44 attempts at goal.
The dynamic duo limited Stars' shooting opportunities, with Northern captain Maia Wilson shooting an efficient 34 from 35 attempts.
After a close first quarter, with the Tactix holding just a two-goal lead, the visitors took control, leading by as many as nine goals approaching halftime.
As soon as the Stars could stage a comeback, the Tactix would tighten their grip on the fixture, with Burger at the forefront of their devastating counterattacks.
The eventual MVP and Watson limited Stars possession and denied the home team a bonus point, as they closed out the win.
Mainland Tactix 55 (Dunn 39/44, Paea Selby-Rickit 15/18) Northern Stars 49 (Wilson 34/35, Amorangi Malesala 12/16)
